“The 1 Tambon 1 Digital (Chumchon Drone Jai) Project launched by MDES and depa will help push community enterprises to apply digital technology to generate income and keep pace with resultant changes in the era of digital economy. It aims to build a digital society on the foundation of inclusive knowledge and knowledge application, which corresponds to the important goal of increasing digital capabilities and bolstering Thailand’s competitiveness under the national plan for the mobilization of Thai digital economy and society.” said the Minister.
In addition, the Minister also witnessed to the ceremony announcing joint cooperation under the 1 Tambon 1 Digital (Chumchon Drone Jai) Project in six areas, including developing courses for piloting or launching unmanned and long range RC aircraft; promoting and supporting the use of digital technology and innovation for community groups in the production chain; researching and developing the nation’s defense industry; developing the industry of unmanned aircraft; urging communities to apply drone technology to agricultural activities; developing courses for drone repair and maintenance between depa and affiliate networks. Those networks comprise Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, Civil Aviation Training Center, Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, Department of Agriculture, Defense Technology Institute, Professional Qualification Institute, Kasetsart University, Suranaree University of Technology, and drone operators in Thailand.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon further stated that 50 service centers will be created throughout the country within one year of project implementation, which will propel 500 communities to apply drones to their agricultural activities accounting for no less than 4 million rai. In addition, depa and its partners will open training courses for unmanned and long-range RC aircraft operators or launchers and drone repair and maintenance. The curriculums of these two courses will be designed by depa with certification from the Civil Aviation Training Center. The first course will target 1,000 participants whereas the second course will target 100 participants.
“depa estimates that the 1 Tambon 1 Digital (Chumchon Drone Jai) Project will help to increase manufacturing capacity, reduce costs, lessen the duration of work, and lower the rate of sickness resulting from inhaling and touching chemicals. At the same time, it will enable both farmers and technicians skilled at using drones for agriculture in the community to generate jobs and income, which, in turn, raise their quality of life. This project lays a foundation for communities to apply digital technology to keep pace with the changes brought on by the digital economy era, which accelerates the development of a digital society on the foundation of inclusive knowledge and interpretation while also responding to the important goal of building digital capabilities and creating Thailand’s competitiveness under the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society’s policy “The Grown Engine of Thailand”, with an anticipated economic value of no less than 350 million baht.” said depa President/CEO.
Interested farmers and communities or the public can participate in the above-mentioned courses virtually or in person. They can also take part in activities aimed at raising awareness about the application of drone technology for agricultural purposes in five regions. In addition, there are regional and national drone flying and maintenance competitions. Information on the 1 Tambon 1 Digital (Chumchon Drone Jai) Project can be viewed on the official Facebook Page: depa Thailand. You can also make inquiries by calling 085 125 1340 and 082 516 6224.
